Head of National Nutrition Agency Claims Nutrition Study Programmes Become Popular After Introduction of Free Nutritious Meals

JAKARTA - The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, has claimed that nutrition study programmes, which were previously not very popular, have now become one of the most sought-after following the introduction of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. Dadan explained that every Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) or MBG kitchen is required to have nutrition experts to ensure the quality and composition of the food served meet standards. “Nutrition study programmes that were not very popular before are now the most in demand because the field needs are very large,” said Dadan in a press statement on Wednesday (29/4/2026). “Each unit needs at least one expert, not including other support teams in food processing and quality control,” he added. Not only pure nutrition graduates, but BGN is also opening opportunities for experts with relevant backgrounds, such as public health, food technology, food processing, and food safety. This is done to accelerate the fulfilment of human resource needs while maintaining service quality in every SPPG. He noted that each region has different characteristics of food ingredients and consumption patterns, so the role of experts is needed to compile appropriate and balanced menus. This surge in human resource needs is driving universities to adjust curricula and educational capacity in nutrition and food fields. “The MBG programme is seen as a momentum for the revival of vocational and professional education sectors in that field,” said Dadan.